Research

Ask a Librarian

Drop by in person or call the Information Services Desk at 443-5141 ext. 12 during regular hours of operation: Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am to 8pm; Thursday and Friday, 10am to 5pm; Saturday, 10am to 4pm; Summer Saturdays, 10am to 1pm. Email pflreference@patten.lib.me.us. We will respond within 24 hours.

Book-A-Librarian

The Book-A-Librarian Program is a free service provided to library cardholders and residents of the library’s service area. It is intended to provide limited but individualized instruction for patrons who seek assistance in the following areas:

focused research assistance;

instruction on specific computer skills and applications;

introductory instruction/assistance with tablets, smart phones and related technologies, as well as basic troubleshooting;

job-seeking skills and products (resumes, on-line job applications);

borrowing eAudiobooks and eBooks;

any other projects determined to be consistent with the program’s intent and falling within the bounds of staff expertise.

The program is not intended to provide ongoing education or technical assistance to patrons, although certain projects/instruction may require multiple appointments. Appointment length is limited to one hour. The library will not schedule more than six appointments per calendar year with a single patron, and no more than one per week.

Patrons seeking assistance should fill out an online request form or speak directly with Roberta Jordan, the Outreach and Instruction Librarian, by calling 443-5141 x25. Request forms are also available at the Information Desk. After evaluating a request for assistance, library staff will determine if the request falls within program guidelines and expertise. Library staff will contact patrons requesting assistance to set up appointments or to inform patrons that an appointment through this service is not appropriate.

Main Street Bath is your place for what to do and where to go in the Bath Area. Site includes information about cultural and outdoor activities, restaurants, and shopping.

211 Maine is a comprehensive statewide directory of over 8,000 health and human services available in Maine. The toll free 2-1-1 hotline connects callers to trained call specialists who can help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Magazine and Newspaper Articles

Thousands of magazines, newspapers, and reference books are available through the online resources of Digital Maine Library.

Local History & Genealogy

Patten Free Library is proud to offer to its patrons the resources of the Sagadahoc History & Genealogy Room. The focus of this research facility is on the communities within Sagadahoc County, although general guides for New England and beyond are available.

Learning Tools

LearningExpress Library is an interactive learning platform with over 770 practice tests, tutorials, and eBooks related to job search and workplace skills improvement, career certification and licensing exam preparation, college entrance and graduate school admissions exam preparation, GED exam preparation, and basic skills improvement in reading, writing, and math, for all ages.